Plan to stay at least two nights as the return train to L.A. departs around 7:15 a.m. San Luis Obispo is a great family getaway or a wine trip thats 5.5 hours away from L.A. Park there and just walk across the street. Watch on. Select dates November 20th-December 28th, 2022. 4. The Railways Top Station is located at California Plaza. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Click on the images below to read the latest issue or download a copy of your very own. Depending on what they have planned, you can also get the chance to interact with puppets. It is also a highly acclaimed entertainment center featuring an aquarium, a small amusement park, several shops, a video arcade, a trapeze school, and concession stands. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Train Party Express is a wonderful addition to birthdays, festivals and all events. RECENT NEWS. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramwayis temporarily closed, but considerstrolling around the cityshistoric downtown, which is full of cute shops and good food. Plan to stay at least two nights, as the return train to Los Angeles departs in the morning. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Terranea L.A.s Oceanfront Resort. The Shark Lagoon has over 150 sharks and a few penguins that you can get close to and even touch. Book your Amtrak train and bus tickets today by choosing from over 30 U.S. train routes and 500 destinations in North America. This is an event where the streets are temporarily open for everyone to bike or walk or skate or dance. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Los Angeles Athletic Club, Also See:Things to Do in Morro Bay, CA with KidsVentura Attractions for Kids, 125 Paseo De La PlazaLos Angeles, CA 90012. Do things like going on a Ferris wheel, riding a rollercoaster, winning prizes while playing fun games, discovering the richness of marine life at an aquarium, and tons more. Southern California. Consider planning your trip around theAlbuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which is a top event in the fall. Theres plenty of activities that make it quite happening. This spectacular attraction was featured in numerous movies and TV shows, like Greys Anatomy, Hannah Montana, Sharknado, 90210, Modern Family, New Girl, and many others. The collection of books here is across cultures and has the best treasure trove of items youve seen in a while. 2201 S. "A" Street, Perris, CA 92570 2023 Southern California Railway Museum. You'll cross bridges, pass through tunnels and alongside miniature towns. Union Station, officially known as the Los Angeles Union Station, is the bustling main railway station in the city. Have a fun time with your family as you take plenty of pictures with the stars of your well-loved actors, directors, fictional characters, musicians, actors, and other famed celebrities. You will also find a host of rotating exhibits and Nature Lab, a hand-on science lab that includes animals and other specimens. Amtrak Guide aims to make rail travel easier with helpful information and tips on train routes, stations and destinations across the United States. Trains depart Los Angeles and San Jose mid-morning, so one overnight stay in San Jose is doable if that works best with your schedule. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. If you're near the Inland Empire, head to the University of California in Riverside and head to the Botanic Garden. Departures start as early as 6 a.m. and as late as 9 p.m. Great for the whole family, Grover Beach is a small community with a great beach, dunes nature preserve, winery, escape room, ATV rentals and more. It also has music, audiobooks, DVDs and craft and science kits. I didnt think this day would come. Thats where we come in! The scenery from the train is one the main reasons to book this rail trip. Take an adventure to any of our over 200 EXPLORE destinations across Southern California, and the kids ride completely free - no ticket needed! The major landmarks in Southern California are so well known that they'd probably be recognizable throughout the country, but there are lots of great things to do once you've seen the big things already. Details subject to change. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. You dont need a reason to go here. to request a date for your next special event. The morning arrival means you can start enjoying the nearby lakes, rivers and waterfalls early in the day. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a world-famous historic landmark and must-see attraction. Metrolink's Kids Ride Free on Weekends deal means every weekend, up to three children ages 17 and under can travel anywhere on the Metrolink system with a paying adult. 1418 Descanso Dr. La Caada Flintridge, CA 91011. The birthday boy was excited to take many rides on the train! Here are a few of the best spots Angelenos can get to easily by rail and still be home by bedtime. This LA museum has a ton of childrens activities that will undoubtedly keep them engaged for hours. Spread over 120 acres, there are a few gardens to its credit. Hop aboard and take a little journey on the railway for a scenic train ride in SoCal, as these are the types of experiences that are wonderful to savor. Now, the USS Iowa Museum is also a great place to catch a glimpse of US maritime history through interactive exhibits. Do your kids love party highlights in which everything is set to bring wonder to their eyes, smile on their faces? Located inside Balboa Park, inside the Casa de Balboa Building. on weekends only and special events Cost: All-day train ride pass, $12 for ages 12 & up; $8 for ages 5 through 11; free for ages 4 and under 2201 South A St. Perris, CA Online: socalrailway.org Advertisement Travel Town Museum & Railroad Nadia Q via Yelp Don't miss the Enchanted Railroad, daily story times, and the . Then catch a hosted tour! While there are some gentle rides here, the park is most famous for the ones that'll . Not bad for a days work. A light rail station is across the street, or take Uber, Lyft or ferry to get around. Travel Town Transportation Museum 5200 Zoo Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027 Operations: (323) 662-5874 Email: Travel.Town@lacity.org . Passengers must be at least 31 tall to ride. So thank you very much. The train ride at this Griffith Park spot is aboard a 7" gauge model train, which makes it about an eighth the size of a standard train. School Trips & Guided Tours; Holden's Corner for Kids; Exhibits; The Trains at Travel Town; Railroad Safety; Library & Archive; Whyte Locomotive Classification; . One child ages 2-12 is eligible to receive a 50% discount on the lowest available adult rail fare on most Amtrak trains with each fare-paying adult (age 18+). Exhibits include 1902 Southern Pacific Steam Locomotive, 1949 Topeka and Sante Fe Caboose, and more. For the more adventurous, check out Stearns Wharffor some epic seaside views, and stop by the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company for takeout for the freshest seafood above the water. Originally opened in 1901, Angels Flight the world's shortest railway has given more than 100 million rides on its hillside track. This place has been around since the 1980s and has over 80,000 books for children, teachers and students. For cheaper hotel rates, consider an early fall trip. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Its for people of all ages and even the toys here are educational. through Fri. between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Peninsula Beverly Hills. You are also allowed to watch while the staff feed the sharks. Check out Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego for a unique beach experience. Our schedule fills up quickly, so please give us a call today at (310) 532-6223 or email us at info@trainsonthemove.com to request a date for your next special event. The return train to L.A. departs at night, so you could technically just spend a day here, then get back on the train to sleep. While in the area, non-Disney options includeskateboardingat Vans skatepark, taking flight at a SwingIt Trapeze lesson, andwandering through the reopened Bowers Museum. "We bring the thrill of a train ride to your . If youre looking to extend your quick trip a day or two, there are countless hotels with cool pools the whole family will love. After riding our miniature train, explore dozens of old-time railroad locomotives and cars. Photo courtesy of the train. Hop aboard the North Pole Limited, where Santas elves sing favorite Christmas carols, read a Christmas storyto young ones, and pass out cookies and hot chocolate to all passengers. Some of the objects here date as far back as 4.5 billion years. The interiors of this hotel give you the look and feel of a space station. Save the date for November 25, 2022! For your littledinolovers, a trip to theCabazon Dinosaur Museumwill surely make you their favorite parent for a while. Paso Robles is a fantastic option for a wine vacation. When your kid is crazy about all things trains, its full steam ahead! The train is a model G16 now a rare antique with as few as fifty currently remaining. Take a little day trip to experience these charming train stations and enjoy a pleasant ride. It has some great trails and an amazing view waiting at the end of it. (It can be a bit deafening on the platforms, so consider bringing earplugs if you or your kids are sensitive to loud noises). Its a Chinatown park that went through an impressive $20 million remodeling that you must check out. TreePeople is unique in the sense that it is full of nature trails and promotes the idea of experiential learning like no other place. Youll spend one night on the train, and we recommend staying one night in Albuquerque. With a rental car, you can visit Morro Bay State Park, Dinosaur Caves Park, and hike at Valencia Peak and Bishop Peak (both have amazing views). Theres also winding walkways, huge lawns and rolling hills for you to plan your day. Yes, Im talking about Los Angeles, the second-largest urban region in the United States. The train ride is a four-minute, half-mile loop through four acres of Balboa Park, located outside the Zoos exit. Explore beautiful SoCal from San Luis Obispo to San Diego on The Pacific Surfliner. Plus, these elevators have glass walls and come with a stunning view. Take short day-trips to Los Angeles, San Diego, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Barbara or other cities from local stations in Anaheim, Fullerton, Irvine and Santa Ana. Child and infant discounts are automatically applied when adding travelers to your booking No Promo Code needed. Amtrak trains arrive and depart from Portland in the afternoon via Portland Union Station. You can also plan a picnic in the Hansen Dam Recreation Area. Full of lily ponds, roses, and leafy trees, Descanso Gardens lets kids roam free and explore the natural world. 320 Golden Shore #100Long Beach, CA 90802. From there get a glimpse of the Plaza Firehouse. If you want to feed the likes of a sea lion, you might want to make some bookings in advance with the Animal Encounters. Irvine Regional Park's annual Christmas Train offers both daytime and nighttimerides through the historic park to meet Santa at his Village. More details to come. This is the only battleship on the West Coast that is open to the public. If youre in town at the time, do not miss it. Here, there are activities for 2 year olds and 60 year olds with the same spirit of entertainment. Attend during a special event and you may be treated to a train ride on the Orange Empire Railway that takes you all the way to the historic 1892 Perris train depot which is a treat to experience. Free train rides for children 17 years old and younger on Saturdays and Sundays when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. This Orange County museum also has the Wests largest collection of railway locomotives, passenger and freight cars, streetcars and other artifacts dating from the 1870s. Train: Amtrak Love SoCal? Take your train-loving kids to Union Station and get the opportunity to watch several state-of-the-art passenger trains passing by. This is a perfect addition to your Thomas the Train theme party. Located in Griffith Park, Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum, educates the public in railroad history and show live steam, gas-mechanical and electric railroad technology in actual operation. Choose from the many wine tours, including with SLO Safe Ride, so you dont have to drink and drive. And dont miss the rainbow room. My boys love trains & we have experienced quite a few of these on your list but will do more now that we know about them! 4400 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles , CA 90027, 2100 Washington Avenue, Wilson Park, Torrance, CA 90510, 5 Family Festivals and More Top Things To Do in Los Angeles This Weekend with Kids, The Butterfly Pavilion Ushers in Spring at the Natural History Museum, Free in March: 20 Best Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids, Indoor Fun and Playspaces Guide for LA & OC Kids, 26 Best Things To Do in Los Angeles in March 2023 with Kids, Free and Cheap Summer Camps in Los Angeles, 23 Best Breakfasts in Los Angeles at Kid-Friendly Restaurants, 30 Best Indoor Playgrounds in Los Angeles: Indoor Play Spaces for Hot (or Rainy?) We have several options for you to choose from. Put those pajamas on and hop aboardThe North Pole Limited. Widely regarded as one of the most spectacular of all train routes, the Coast Starlight links the greatest cities on the West . Offerspublic rides on Sundays (weather permitting). Photo courtesy of Amtrak, Young Gates - Kids Online Personalized Classes, 5 Family Festivals and More Top Things To Do in Los Angeles This Weekend with Kids, The Butterfly Pavilion Ushers in Spring at the Natural History Museum, Free in March: 20 Best Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids, Indoor Fun and Playspaces Guide for LA & OC Kids, 26 Best Things To Do in Los Angeles in March 2023 with Kids, Free and Cheap Summer Camps in Los Angeles, 23 Best Breakfasts in Los Angeles at Kid-Friendly Restaurants, 30 Best Indoor Playgrounds in Los Angeles: Indoor Play Spaces for Hot (or Rainy?) 1418 Descanso DrLa Caada Flintridge, CA 91011. | Fun Factory Parties Trackless Train rentals for kid's birthday parties! Open, Monday, 2/20 for Presidents' Day from 10 - 4pm. The biggest draw of Griffith Park is that theres a little something for people of all ages. This is a hotspot for dignitaries, former Presidents and television and movie stars too. **In February: California Baby & Kids Expoin the OC Fair Grounds & Event Center. Hooray! You could hike up or get hitch a horseback ride through Hollywood Hills to get here. Klamath Falls, Oregon. Valid system-wide on either Saturday or Sunday. Hours: 9 a.m.-5p.m. . Due to the 6.5 hour train commute and one daily Coast Starlight train, youll need to stay overnight at least one night. Guided tours are available. There is a great variety of items here that will mark any time period of your choice. Haunted Houses, Horror Nights, and Scary Farms for Los Angeles Teens Who Like a Good Scare Free Halloween Events in Los . If you head to Cabrillo Beach on the weekends, you can enjoy their free guided tidepool walk. This is the largest used (and new) books and records store in all of California. There are seats available (so far!) This is no ordinary aquarium, dear friends. Travel Time: An hour plus each way, Another classic Surfliner jaunt, the Santa Barbaratrain ride takes about 2 hours from Union Station, so youll want to get an early start. This tourist hotspot is an animal lovers dream. Weekdays and until 5 p.m. On weekends and holidays. Have a Great Year!, ~ Kasey from Abundant Living Family Church, Learning Curve International Brand Legal Copy. If youve been to LA previously and loved the Childrens Museum of Los Angeles (which is now gone), this will do a little more than lift your spirits. Kids from the ages two to seven will love the Helen and Peter Bing Childrens garden. Cool Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near Los Angeles, Say hi to the conductor before meeting Santa on the Southern California Polar Express Train Ride. So pull on those matching family PJs and get ready to sing some carols, hear a story, chow down on Christmas cookies, and even chanceto hand over those wish lists toSanta Claus in person. Additionally, on weekends, each adult pays just $10 for a Weekend Day Pass so families small and large can have an affordable experience. Mitchell Museum of Western Art. The center of the exhibit has a restored steam locomotive as well as its tender, a refrigerated boxcar, and caboose. Downtown there is a childrens museum, railroad museum, historic mission, and a charming trail along a creek. The Amtrak station is conveniently in walking distance of Skinner Butte Park and downtown hotels and restaurants (including many local and Asian options), so you dont have to rent a car. Youll spend two nights on the train and arrive in Chicago in the late afternoon, with views of deserts, mountains and the Great Plains along the way. Here, you can also enjoy activities like taking many pictures of its eye-catching art murals, biking on designated trails, dining at a fantastic restaurant, and snapping several photos together backed by jaw-dropping architecture. Wednesday's we are in Westchester Farmers Market! of the month, swing by and check out the relocated Walt's Barnit's where Walt Disney worked on his own trains and brainstormed new ideas. You will see little ponds filled with roses, lilies and trees in every direction. Theres tons of room for your children to put their imagination to work. First of all, its not just for bookworms. Theres also a fossil lab to see what came out of the fossils dug out from the tar. Parents, theres a little something for you too. There are many festivals, concerts and other events that you can plan a trip around. Check theirevents pagefor special train rides throughout the year. Required fields are marked *. There are pedestrian walkways for a stroll and there are picnic areas for when you want to rest for a bit. If you're looking for the coolest attractions in Southern California, we've got you covered! Words can't describe my happiness when my son saw the train and was yelling Choo Choo at the top of his lungs and jumping up and down. Train: Amtrak Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites. . If that time is doable for you, be sure to check out the stops on these routes for more trip ideas (including Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Tucson and New Orleans). Recommended Hotel Nearby: InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown. The Pacific Surfliner arrives around 8 p.m. in walking distance of downtown and an Enterprise car rental office (closes at 6 p.m., so plan to get a car on the next day). Descanso Gardens. For adults, there are many wineries in the area (the Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards has peacocks). 20264 Broadway, Sonoma, CA | 707.938.3912. Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner 800 North Alameda St.Los AngelesOnline: unionstationla.com. Of course, if your kid will only be pleased with riding the real thing, hop on a Metrolink train from Union Station where kids ridefreeon the weekends with a paying adult. Also inside Griffith Park, Griffith Park & Southern Railroad often runs two locomotives around a scenic track that includes a tunnel, a trestle bridge, a Wild West street scene and a corral full of real horses. Open: Open daily (except Wed.); 10 a.m-4:45 p.m. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Amarano Burbank-Hollywood. The railcar collection has three historically significant cabooses and two Union Pacific Lounge cars available to the public. If you get lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a celebrity. People already asked me for your number and I will keep referring you, too. View stars of famous icons, such as Walt Disney, Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Jack Black, the Backstreet Boys, Orlando Bloom, Meryl Streep, Audrey Hepburn, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, and so much more.